The fifth review of governance of the Winter Olympic Federations (WOF) has been published, covering the seven International Federations (IFs) that are full members of WOF. The report is available here.
The review adopted the same procedure as a study by the Association of Summer Olympic International Federations (ASOIF) in 2024 and was commissioned by WOF itself. It followed four previous assessment exercises since 2017, most recently in 2022.
IFs self-assessed scores for 60 indicators divided among the themes of transparency, integrity, democracy, development and sustainability, and control mechanisms. Sports governance consultancy I Trust Sport checked scores for accuracy and consistency, adjusting where needed, and produced the overall report.
Key findings:
• Scores ranged from 154 to 203 out of a theoretical maximum of 240; all WOF members therefore achieved the target score of 150 set by the ASOIF Governance Task Force
• Three IFs reached the A2 group (scores 185-209) and four IFs were in the B group (150-184)
• There was some improvement in gender balance at Executive Board level; six IFs had at least 25% of the Board composed by women, up from three in 2022 (although none reached 40%) and five IFs were implementing a policy or strategy to improve gender equality
• All seven IFs were implementing safeguarding policies and processes, generally including training; this was a slight improvement from 2022
• In 2022, three IFs achieved a maximum score on an indicator on environmental sustainability; this increased to four IFs in 2024 as sustainability strategies became more widespread; those IFs which did not yet have such a strategy were developing one
• As in 2022, five of the seven IFs had term limits for elected officials
• The average score for the WOF members was 179 (out of 240) compared to 189 for the summer sports assessed in 2024
• 50 of the 60 indicators were essentially retained from 2022 with only minor amendments; scores on these indicators rose by an average of 3 points
• As in previous studies, there was correlation between the size of IFs, as measured by staffing numbers and revenue, and the overall score; however, there were examples of IF out-performing larger organisations both among the members of WOF and ASOIF; one or two of the biggest IFs also did not match their peers
Report conclusions:
• The WOF members collectively have made positive but modest advances in governance since 2022. One or two IFs have made striking steps forward, while in other cases it has been more incremental.
• The WOF members are to be commended for their ongoing efforts to improve governance. At a time when sports federations are faced with complex challenges, ranging from climate change to war, severe economic pressures and a rapidly evolving media market, well-governed organisations give themselves the best chance of continuing success.
Participating IFs:
• Fédération Internationale de Luge (FIL)
• International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS)
• International Bobsleigh and Skeleton Federation (IBSF)
• International Biathlon Union (IBU)
• International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF)
• International Skating Union (ISU)
• World Curling
The report is available here.
